Research-backed
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Nowhere in the history of humankind has a cis-man gotten pregnant. But here’s a surprise for you — your partner might be experiencing some, if not most, symptoms of pregnancy with you! Have you found your husband or partner complaining of backache, morning sickness, swelling in the legs and ankle, and constipation? Worse still, you might have told your significant other about your food cravings only to hear that he, too, is experiencing the same!
If you and your partner are freaking out thanks to these peculiar turn of events, worry not. We’re here to shed some light on this strange phenomenon that might be bothering you and your partner.
Couvade Syndrome — It Has A Name!
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Some men do experience symptoms that are associated with pregnancy when their spouse or partner is expecting. This is an actual phenomenon that has been identified among certain groups, and it has a name. It is called the Couvade Syndrome and is also known quite popularly as sympathetic pregnancy syndrome. Have you noticed instances when the partner ends up with food cravings (and weight gain as a result) along with his pregnant wife? This is perhaps a symptom of couvade syndrome. As significant others, we tend to empathize, and sometimes, we take it up a notch with something known as compathy. Compathy is similar to empathy, except with the former, you tend to share the same physical symptoms (1). However, in some cases, empathy can have physical manifestations as well.
Symptoms of Couvade Syndrome
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Common symptoms associated with couvade syndrome are vomiting, nausea, changes in appetite, weight gain, weight loss, constipation, and diarrhea. Toothache, backache, bloating and pain in the abdomen, leg cramps, and irritation while urinating are observed too (2). Some of the psychological symptoms of couvade syndrome are depression, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and changes in sex drive (3).
There have also been accounts of men experiencing labor pains alongside their wives or partners as well. In most cases, these pains were mild compared to the labor pains that the woman experiences (4).
Managing Couvade Syndrome
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Couvade syndrome is most commonly found in men who are prone to distress and are extremely sensitive emotionally. There is no treatment as such, but there is good news — this syndrome goes away almost immediately or soon after the delivery of the child (5).
Indulging in meditation can help with the anxiety associated with couvade syndrome. A healthy, well-balanced diet can help as well, as it gives the body the nutrition it needs. It is essential to incorporate a good workout routine to deal with stress, as exercise helps produce feel-good hormones. Also known as endorphins, these hormones can alleviate stress and anxiety to an extent (6), thereby reducing the symptoms associated with couvade syndrome.
With the consultation of your doctor, it is recommended to take natural medication to ease some of the symptoms. Most importantly, understand that this is a temporary phenomenon that will disappear soon. It does not pose any serious health risk. Good rest is of vital importance too.
Sticking your head down the sink due to morning sickness only to find that your husband or male partner beat you to it might go two ways. It can make you happy to know that your husband is alongside you on this journey. Or, it can simply freak you out. Whatever be the case, know that this is a harmless phenomenon bound to disappear with the advent of the baby. Have you or someone you know gone through this experience? Let us know what you think. Go ahead and share your experience with us in the comments below!
